PRODUCTS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING MAXI-AIDS

• MAGNIFICATION
INFORMATION
Maxi-Aids strongly recommends that you contact your low vision eye care professional prior to ordering a magnifier for low vision or
if you are experiencing difficulties with your vision. A vision professional will be able to provide to you a complete comprehensive
examination and will prescribe or recommend the appropriate device to meet your individual needs.
MAGNIFIER AND MAGNIFICATION INFORMATION
Magnifier Power - Is shown by a number placed in front of the
letter X. This refers to how much larger an object will appear when
viewed through the magnifier lens.
Example a magnifier with a 2X power will make an object appear 2
times its actual size.
Diopter – also a measure of magnification referring to the
curvature of the lens. As the curvature increases the object will
appear larger. The Higher the Dioptric power the greater the
magnification.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
A): As the power of the magnifier increases the smaller the
magnifier lens will become. This will decrease the total viewing
area under the Magnifier.
B). With Higher power lenses the focal distance, also referred to
as the working distance decreases. What this means is that as you
use a higher power lens both the object that you want to view and
your eye must be closer to the magnifier for it to focus correctly.
C). Please remember that when it comes to a magnifier –
Stronger is NOT always better! Use the Magnification chart to
determine what strength magnifier you feel most comfortable
using, but again the best advice we can give you is to consult with
a Low Vision professional.
TYPES OF MAGNIFIERS:
Hand Held / Pocket Magnifiers - are held in your hand when
viewing an object and are available with or without illumination.
These magnifiers are usually small, portable and easy to carry in
your pocket or purse.
USE THIS AS A GENERAL GUIDE
FOR PICKING MAGNIFICATION
Standard Size Type
1X (6-point)
Three Times Standard
3x (18-point)
Four Times Standard
4x (24-point)
Six Times Standard
6x (36-point)
Eight Times Standard
8x (48-point)
Ten Times Standard
10x (60-point)
Stand Magnifier - Stand magnifiers are designed with a fixed distance calculated from the lens to the surface. Stand magnifiers must
be placed directly on- top of the item surface to be magnified. As the power increases – the closer your eye must be to the lens in
order to focus. Stand magnifiers are available with or without illumination, and also are available using battery, electric, or
rechargeable power sources.
Illuminated Magnifiers - These magnifiers contain the added benefit of a Light source. This added feature is especially helpful to
those with Low Vision.
Dome Magnifiers - clear acrylic or glass dome shaped magnifiers that must be placed on top of the object to be magnified. Please
note these magnifiers are not illuminated but they do gather light from the surrounding light in a room causing the object to be
brighter.
TYPES OF ILLUMINATION (LIGHTING) AVAILABLE FOR MAGNIFIERS:
Incandescent - soft lighting found in standard lamps (lighting may appear to have a yellow tint)
LED (Light-Emitting- Diodes) - Provides an even soft-bright light. As a general rule - LED bulbs generally last for several years, and
they are generally not replaceable. LED’s also use less power, so battery’s last significantly longer.
Xenon - Illumination which provides whiter and brighter lighting then Incandescent.
**Many users of magnifiers have more than one – They usually purchase a stand or dome magnifier for their home or office,
and a hand held magnifier to carry with them in their pocket or purse.
ELECTRONIC MAGNIFICATION ALSO KNOWN AS A CCTV - SEE SECTION ON CCTV’S
A very powerful magnification device – that can magnify up to 60 times. These units consist of a camera, a moveable table and a
Monitor. They are available in several sizes and are available in Color and Black and White. They are ideal for Reading, Writing,
looking at photos, and even doing small craft projects and hobbies. There are also portable models available. These units are ideal
for those with low Vision and those with Macular degeneration. CCTV’s feature Reverse Video, which transform a white background
to a black background and black type to white type making it easier to see!
Example of how reverse video would appear:
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Call Toll Free: 1-800-522-6294 • Web: www.MaxiAids.com
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